iRubric: Mountain Information/Expository Paragraph Writing Rubric

___ Little/no attempt at a plan
___Topic sentence is absent or unclear
___ Reasons, details, or facts are unclear or not related to the topic
___No transitions or transitions not used correctly
___No examples and/or explanations to support the topic
___No or inappropriate conclusion

___ Attempts plan
___Attempts a topic sentence
___Reasons, details, or facts are clear
___Use of ordinary transitions; transitions might not be used effectively
___Few/weak examples and explanations; some off topic
___Weak conclusion; mostly repeats the topic

___ Clear plan
___Topic sentence clearly fits the prompt, task, or topic
___Accurate reasons, details, or facts strongly support topic
___Transitions (obvious or subtle) fit the paragraph’s purpose
___Some good examples; clear explanations support the topic
___ Solid conclusion restates topic sentence

___Strong topic sentence addresses the prompt, task, or topic in a compelling and highly interesting way
___Compelling reasons, details, or facts shared with confidence and emphasis
___Varied or subtle transitions enhance the flow of the piece
___Many exceptional examples; significant evidence and elaboration
___Strong conclusion addresses the topic sentence again in a new way

___Many fragments and/or run-on sentences; several short, choppy sentences
___Repeated words or phrases; many words used incorrectly
___No clear purpose

___Mostly simple sentences or sentences that begin the same way
___Basic words and descriptions
___Style of paragraph fits the purpose but needs development

___Different sentence structures; variety in the way sentences begin
___Familiar/ordinary words fit the topic; descriptive words used effectively
___Style, voice, and tone of paragraph accurately answer and fit the prompt, task, or topic

___Fully develops prompt, task, or topic
___Rich words, content vocabulary, and/ or figurative language create mental pictures; engage reader
___Style, voice, and tone of paragraph accurately address prompt, task, or topic; specific words, phrases, and/or sentence structures enhance the paragraph and its purpose